As I'm looking around to replace the Octy with something else I'm trying to find out what options I have if I wanted to replace it with a RWD car with more power. I've already shortlisted the few below, but maybe I'm missing one out that I haven't thought of before.

The budget is up to

Porsche of the Boxster variety?

I'd have an S2000 for that cash.

IMHO you'd get better value for money from a 5-series than a 3...admittedly you wouldn't be looking at an M5, but something like a 530/535 could be had for that money...

Rob.

I hear good things about the RX-8 (from a 350Z owner )

MR-2

Turbocharged MX-5

Monaro

E39 M5 (will have a few miles on it for 15k though) or even a 540i, 530i, etc

Chris

Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the RX-8 and Monaro. They are on the list too. I'm afraid driving the Porsche would just be too boring (maybe Manny can comment?), although I've never driven one (same goes for all the other cars to be fair). I'm not looking for a too big of car though, so the BMW 5-series is pretty much ruled out. This time I have no requirement for seats or boot space due to the sensible other car

Q, I was in the same position a few months ago albeit with a budget slightly less than yours. Plumped for the S2000 in the end and haven't looked back. You can have some VTEC action when it suits but the car is really nice to drive even over long distances with the roof down so best of both worlds..... If you need some buying advice let me know

This time I have no requirement for seats or boot space due to the sensible other car

Smart w/ Hyabusa engine conversion?

Rob.

Smart w/ Hyabusa engine conversion?

Rob.

They do? :eek: Url?

Smartuki

Q, I was in the same position a few months ago albeit with a budget slightly less than yours. Plumped for the S2000 in the end and haven't looked back. You can have some VTEC action when it suits but the car is really nice to drive even over long distances with the roof down so best of both worlds..... If you need some buying advice let me know

What's this VTEC action I see popping up everytime? I just thought it meant that you are supposed to rev the nuts of before the engine 'goes', but am I mistaken?

I dont think you'll get a good 350Z for less than £19k. at £15k you'll ge looking at early non-GT models with floppy ball joints, no leather and a carp stereo. You will have a HUGE fuel bill too.

For £25k you'd get a very tidy nearly new 06 reg Roadster GT

My money would be on the RX8 - its good room for 2 in the rear and oil consumption is no where near as bad as people expect. My bro checks his every 3 fuel fill ups.

VTEC has two sets of cams IIRC and it basically switches from normal 2 litre mode to insane 2 litre mode when it comes "on cam" in the VTEC zone.

Better described here

Chris

What's this VTEC action I see popping up everytime? I just thought it meant that you are supposed to rev the nuts of before the engine 'goes', but am I mistaken?

Answered your own question!

VTEC action refers to the extra liveliness of the engine when it comes "on cam" at higher rpm.

How about a merc c180 kompressor. I know the guy who has this one for sale.

Monaro, got to be

350z are good but out of your budget for anything apart from a pile of pooh or an Import. Brakes arent that special either

Don't shout me down....

but what about a MG ZT V8?

Would be exclusive, but no ideas on reliability. Should be in budget as new ones (well ones no one else has owned) are £16k.

Monaro, got to be

350z are good but out of your budget for anything apart from a pile of pooh or an Import. Brakes arent that special either

Though they are better than the Octavia as I found out the other day (2 car lengths over the white line at some traffic lights )

RX8 brakes are nicer, tho that coul dbe related to the Z weighing in at 4 giga tonnes.

I really like the 350Z, and there are a few within budget on Autotrader (even UK spec ones). Am not worried about fuel consumption (up to a certain limit), or I'd not even consider a petrol for the mileage I do each year.

Am not so keen on the RX-8 styling, and it is more oddball than exclusive, but until I drive one I'll not make any comments on it

The Monaro is a very nice car, but a quick insurance check put it at the bottom of the list... bloody postcodes :(

How about a merc c180 kompressor. I know the guy who has this one for sale.

I dunno. I find most of the Mercs so incredibly bland to look at that they might just as well be invisible. Especially in silver. No idea what performance they have though.

Don't shout me down....

but what about a MG ZT V8?

Would be exclusive, but no ideas on reliability. Should be in budget as new ones (well ones no one else has owned) are

Q. I find the seats in my GT pack (leather, stereo, cruise etc.) roadster VERY tight across my back - to the extent that they are uncomfortable on a long journey. I suspect you'll have a similar problem. I've not tried non GT seats though.

I found the RX8 seats a lot better than the Z, the clutch was also lighter and less on/off. Gearboxes on Z's can be weak so if you find gear change problem walk away. The gear lever is "supposed" to visibly vibrate tho Front ball joints can be problematic on early cars - I know of one at 30k which has had them replaced twice.

I think "Puddenchucker" (sp?) has an earlier Z than mine so he may be worth contacting.

No idea what head room is like in the Z Coupe but the RX8 should accomodate you easily - providing it doesnt have a sunroof!

The RX8 interior is also a million miles ahead of the Z - especially a pre face-lift (May 06) model. The first Z's will be creaking and rattling like mad by now - and they had Fischer Price interior door handles.

Though they are better than the Octavia as I found out the other day (2 car lengths over the white line at some traffic lights )

RX8 brakes are nicer, tho that coul dbe related to the Z weighing in at 4 giga tonnes.

Best get the Octy brakes checked

Ive only driven a 350 on the track but I found it didnt give you confidence to really test the brakes, all seemed a bit wooley

Cheers Goochie, much appreciated the advice.

VTEC has two sets of cams IIRC and it basically switches from normal 2 litre mode to insane 2 litre mode when it comes "on cam" in the VTEC zone.

Better described here

Good link that

Basically the car will rev to a 9000 rpm red line. The power delivery is relatively linear up until the changeover point at c.6k rpm when the cam profile changes and your into full VTEC. The kick is very addictive and the noise is awesome especially with the airbox lid off

Just to add........

350Z, would I buy another? No.

RX8, would I buy one? Watch this spaze